top-banner

Dolcetto

Dolcetto is a black-skinned Italian grape variety primarily growing in Piedmont region of Italy. Its name literally means "little sweet one" as it has a naturally low acidity and a balanced, rounded sweetness, producing mostly fruit-forward, easy-drinking wines.

Colour, Aromas and Taste Profile

Dolcetto wine has an intense and bright ruby color with purple hue. Aromas of this variety are ripe cherry, plum and wild berry with a hint of herbs and spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with soft tannins and flavours of ripe cherry, blackberry, spices, and nuts.

Fresh Dolcetto grapes on the vine

Regional Features & Food Pairings

Dolcetto is predominantly grown in the Piedmont, north-western Italy, where it has been cultivated since the Middle Ages. It is also grown in small quantities in Australia and in the USA. Dolcetto is usually harvested earlier than other Piedmontese red grapes. It is usually made as an unoaked, early-drinking style, but can also be vinified as a structured, complex wine with considerable amount of tannin. In Piedmont, Dolcetto is classified into different DOCs and DOCGs, depending on its origin. In the Langhe and Roero, it is classified as Dolcetto d'Alba, while in Asti and Acqui it is called Dolcetto d'Asti. Those wines are often unoaked or slightly oaked, to preserve the freshness and fruit character of the grape. Dogliani is the only DOCG in Piedmont made exclusively from Dolcetto. It is a more serious example of Dolcetto wine, some are apt for longer aging. Dolcetto is best enjoyed with rich, savoury dishes such as beef ragu, meetballs or aged cheeses.

Foods to pair with Dolcetto:

Deep fried
Beef
Game
Sausage
Smoky
Fun Fact about Dolcetto
Dolcetto grapes were used as a health cure during the 1920s and 1930s, a practice known as "grape therapy," in which grapes were consumed for their health-giving properties.

Top Wines with Dolcetto

Bottle of G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso from search results

G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso

G.D. Vajra

User Rating:
3.8
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.5
G.D. Vajra's Langhe Rosso is a light-bodied Italian red blend from the Piedmont region. The blend consists of native varietals Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, giving it a bright and juicy flavor profile, with notes of ripe cherries and red berries. On the palate, the wine is soft and smooth, with a touch of spice and a hint of earthiness on the finish. The moderate acidity and light tannins make it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Enjoy this wine with grilled meats or a creamy pasta dish.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Beef
Cheese
Pasta
Vegetable
Pork
Learn More
$34.99
Go to Shop
6 Vintages Available
Bottle of Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth di Torino from search results

Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth di Torino

Martini

User Rating:
4.0
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.3
Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth di Torino is a premium vermouth that showcases the expertise of its producer. Crafted in the renowned appellation of Torino, Italy, this vermouth is made from a selection of high-quality wines and botanicals. The vineyard features rich and fertile soils, which contribute to the wine's exceptional flavor profile. The winemaking process involves carefully blending the wines with a secret recipe of botanicals, resulting in a complex and aromatic vermouth. Perfect for sipping on its own or as a key ingredient in cocktails, this vermouth is a true delight for discerning palates.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Cheese
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Nuts
Croquette
Learn More
$22.98
Go to Shop
1 NV Vintage Available
Bottle of Luigi Einaudi Dogliani from search results

Luigi Einaudi Dogliani

Luigi Einaudi

User Rating:
3.8
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
3.8
Luigi Einaudi Dogliani is a premium red wine produced by the renowned Italian winery, Luigi Einaudi. The wine is made from the Dolcetto grape variety grown in the Dogliani appellation, known for its ideal vineyard features such as the hilly terrain and the calcareous soil. The winemaking process involves a careful selection of the best grapes, followed by a traditional fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The resulting wine is a full-bodied and complex red with a deep ruby color, intense aromas of red fruits and spices, and a long and persistent finish. Luigi Einaudi Dogliani is a perfect choice for those who appreciate the authentic taste of Italian wine.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Pasta
Vegetable
Lamb
Learn More
$19.99
Go to Shop
5 Vintages Available
Bottle of G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba from search results

G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba

G.D. Vajra

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
3.8
G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba is a high-quality red wine produced by the renowned G.D. Vajra winery in the Piedmont region of Italy. The wine is made from the Dolcetto grape variety, which is grown in the Alba appellation. The vineyards are located on the hillsides, which provide excellent drainage and exposure to the sun, resulting in grapes with intense flavors and aromas. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fruitiness and freshness of the wine. The resulting wine is a medium-bodied red with a vibrant ruby color, intense aromas of red fruits, and a smooth, velvety texture. It is a perfect match for a wide range of dishes, from pasta to grilled meats.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Pasta
Vegetable
Cheese
Lasagna
Game
Learn More
$36.99
Go to Shop
4 Vintages Available
Bottle of Pecchenino San Luigi Dogliani from search results

Pecchenino San Luigi Dogliani

Pecchenino

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.5
Pecchenino San Luigi Dogliani is a red wine produced by the Pecchenino family in the Dogliani appellation of Piedmont, Italy. The wine is made from the Dolcetto grape variety, which is grown in the family's vineyards located on the hillsides of Dogliani. The vineyards are characterized by their south-facing exposure, which allows for optimal ripening of the grapes. The wine is made using traditional winemaking techniques, including fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging in large oak barrels. The resulting wine is a medium-bodied red with a deep ruby color and aromas of dark fruit and spices. On the palate, it is dry and well-structured with a long finish. Pecchenino San Luigi Dogliani is a great example of the high-quality wines produced in the Piedmont region of Italy.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Pork
Pasta
Vegetable
Game
Learn More
$21.95
Go to Shop
4 Vintages Available